Left: David Shields (left), deputy director of tourism, makes a point to (from second left) Carrole Guntley, Basil Smith, director of tourism, and Essie Gardner, marketing communications manager at the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB). They were attending the JTB's media luncheon at the Knutsford Court Hotel in Kingston, last Friday.   Right: Members of the Ashé Ensemble in performance. - Photos by Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

After a fairly successful 2006, the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) decided to share the joy with one of its best friends - the media.

Members of the JTB hosted the fourth estate to thank them for highlighting the upsides of the industry. Director of Tourism Basil Smith stated the board's intention to communicate better with the public this year, so that "the average person is aware of developments within the industry."

Johnson encouraged a better relationship with the media in various areas. He advocated a rise in the level of public awareness on environmental issues; communicating the employment and career opportunities that exist within the industry; celebrating the people whose effort go into making our tourism product great; and in communicating pride and dignity in being Jamaican and in building Jamaica.

The guests were treated to a short but excellent performance from the Ashé ensemble. As a 'surprise', members of the media, whose lucky names were pulled from the proverbial hat, won weekend trips to some of the island's finest hotels, including Round Hill and the new Bahia Principe.

Guests included Dennis Morrison, David Ebanks, Vinette Rowe, André Lowe, Gerry McDaniel, Michael Edwards, Simone Hanchard, Stacy Smith, Lorna Gofton, Antoinette Lyn, Janice Allen, Roy Miller, Peter Kelly and Angela Hamilton.

Left: Basil Smith (left), director of tourism, chats with Dr. Elizabeth Ward and Kirk Smith of the Ministry of Health.   Right: From left: Vinette Rowe and Lorna Gofton joke with Carrole Guntley.